Resins, bioresins and green building

The End of Uncontrolled Construction: Embracing Green Building

The days of uncontrolled construction are over. In recent decades, environmental issues affecting our planet have given rise to a new way of building: green building, which aims to reduce or eliminate human impact on the surrounding environment.

The resin industry, used in both industrial and residential contexts, has evolved in this direction by favoring water-based formulations, minimizing solvents, and developing new products made from plant-based or recycled materials.

In this article, we will explore what green building means, why it emerged, how resins fit into the trend of sustainable construction, and the relationship between resins and LEED certification, which attests to the ecological footprint of residential and commercial buildings.

Green Building: The Birth and Characteristics of a New Way of Construction

In recent decades, environmental problems caused by pollution, water scarcity, climate change, and greenhouse gas production have significantly increased. This situation has led to a greater awareness of human responsibilities towards the environment and a heightened sensitivity to the damage caused during construction processes.

From the convergence of these elements, green building emerged, a new and different way of designing buildings, neighborhoods, and cities. The trend is constantly growing: over three billion square meters of green buildings have been constructed, and research shows that the market size doubles every three years.

But what exactly do we mean by green building?

According to the World Green Building Council, "green building" refers to the practice of designing and constructing buildings to eliminate or reduce negative impacts on the environment and climate. The goal is to improve the quality of life and protect natural resources.

Some characteristics that make a building green include:

• Respect for the environment in design, construction, and operation
• Efficient use of water, energy, and other resources
• Use of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar energy)
• Adoption of measures to reduce pollution and waste production
• High indoor air quality
• Use of non-toxic, ethical, and sustainable materials
• Consideration of the quality of life for inhabitants or users
• Adaptability of the building to climate changes

A green building thus helps to maintain the environment and natural resources while providing tangible benefits to its inhabitants in terms of health and lifestyle.

Can Resins Be Green?

Many might wonder: "What do resins have to do with green building? Can they also be environmentally friendly?" Yes, resins can be green. We have discussed this in the articles "Ecological Resins for Floors: Do They Really Exist?" and "Water-Based Resins: Respecting the Environment, Respecting Humans." Here, we briefly recap their eco-friendly characteristics.

While solvent-based resins were commonly available in the past, water-based resins, which are more respectful of human health and the environment, are now predominantly used. Many formulations comply with the thresholds set to limit the presence of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which, when inhaled, can cause respiratory irritation, asthma, allergies, headaches, etc.

Resin floors can also improve air quality: being impermeable, they do not produce moisture and discourage the growth of bacteria. Maintenance is easy and quick: to clean a resin floor, only water and a cloth are needed, avoiding the use of aggressive detergents and solvents.

Solid epoxy resins, formulated without water or solvents, do not emit harmful gases or unpleasant odors during application and after drying. Resin floors can also save electricity by increasing ambient brightness by up to 300%.

On cement substrates or other materials, the resin layer acts as a "sealant," preventing harmful substances released during the building's aging process from contaminating the environment. Resin floors are also green allies during renovations, as the old floor often does not need to be removed, avoiding waste that is difficult to dispose of. After proper preparation, the resin can be applied directly to the existing surface.

LEED Certification, Resins, and Bio-Resins

There are numerous certifications that attest to the environmental responsibility of buildings and projects, but the most famous and widespread worldwide is LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design). This accreditation certifies the green footprint of residential or commercial buildings from design to finished work. The goal is to encourage sustainability, focusing on environmental impact, energy and water savings, greenhouse gas emissions, indoor livability, and selected materials.

When it comes to choosing green materials for flooring, resins, designed to be innovative and eco-friendly, frequently appear in numerous projects. For example, many marble-effect resin floors are made by combining epoxy resin with recycled materials such as glass, adding shine and expanding the range of available colors while significantly reducing waste production, disposal costs, and energy resources needed for their elimination.

Another advantage of resin floors in a sustainability perspective is their durability: their life cycle often exceeds that of the building in which they are installed! Additionally, maintaining the original appearance of resin floors often requires only water cleaning, with extraordinary maintenance (applying special waxes) needed only after many years.

The development of bio-resins derived from natural substances is further boosting the presence of this material in green building projects. LEED certification encourages the use of materials based on recycled or biological elements. For example, resins derived from corn or soybean are being developed, particularly abundant in American regions. Many construction companies involved in green building projects aiming for LEED certification use unsaturated polyester resin produced from corn-based alcohols and soybean oil, one of the first bio-resins launched on the market. Many manufacturers also use biodiesel byproducts like epoxidized pine oils and glycerin in their epoxy resins, incorporating 30%-70% plant-based materials into the formulations.

Currently, the widespread use of bio-resins is hindered by high production costs. However, an increasing number of manufacturers are experimenting with new formulations, and more end-users are interested in 100% green alternatives in the resin field. The bio-resins, resins, and green building partnership is just beginning!

For more information about our range of industrial resins and to request a personalized quote, contact Sivit at +39 011 2730033 or email commerciale@sivit.it.

Water-Based Resins: Respecting the Environment, Respecting Humans

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for construction solutions that respect the environment and human health. In this context, industrial resin manufacturers have started to offer more eco-friendly formulations and increasingly use ingredients derived from natural elements. In this article, we will look at three types of eco-friendly resins used for industrial floors: water-based epoxy resins, water-based polyurethane resins, and solid epoxy resins.

Water-Based Epoxy Resins: No Solvents, No VOCs

Until a few years ago, the market was dominated mainly by solvent-based epoxy resins. Solvents made the resin usable in all environmental conditions, made it resistant to potential contamination on the cement substrate (especially from petroleum-based substances), and resulted in a smooth and shiny surface once hardened. However, solvents made resins highly flammable, posing significant risks to operators and the structures where the material was applied. The most significant downside was the high concentration of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are easily inhaled at room temperature. The health consequences of VOCs depend on exposure time and the condition of the materials containing them but generally include respiratory irritation, headaches, vision problems, nausea, and chronic fatigue.

The high VOC concentration in older epoxy resins has led to their replacement with water-based epoxy resins. These formulations are free of harmful solvents and can be used safely in industrial areas where operators work. They do not emit strong odors during application and do not contaminate food and beverages, an important advantage for companies in the food industry.

Water-Based Polyurethane Resins: Most Used in the Food Industry

The same focus on the environment and human health that led to the development of water-based epoxy resins also drove the search for eco-friendly solutions for polyurethane resins. Water-based polyurethane resins contain no VOCs or isocyanates, which are irritating chemicals that can cause respiratory issues, asthma, allergies, and headaches. Like water-based epoxy resins, they emit almost no odors during application and are non-flammable. Their water formulation makes them suitable for substrates that could be damaged by solvents.

Today, many companies offer water-based polyurethane resins, which are used in various environments. This type of resin is especially common in dairy, cheese, and milk processing companies due to its high resistance to lactic acid. The absence of solvents ensures no release of harmful substances. The final thickness of water-based polyurethane resins usually ranges from 6 to 9 millimeters, making them ideal for areas subjected to heavy traffic. The high thickness also allows for steam cleaning, important for frequently sterilized environments such as chemical industries or hospitals.

Other advantages of water-based polyurethane resins include:

• High resistance to alkaline substances
• High resistance to abrasions, impacts, and chemicals
• Impermeability
• Flexibility and elasticity

Sivit has developed a range of water-based polyurethane finishes that combine high efficiency with environmental respect. Visit the Water-Based Polyurethane Finishes section to learn more about their applications.

Solid Epoxy Resins: No Water, No Solvents

Among environmentally friendly epoxy resins are solid epoxy resins, which contain neither water nor any solvents. Without evaporation, the layer produced is thicker than water- or solvent-based resins, typically around 10 millimeters. There is no variation in thickness between application and when the floor is ready for use, allowing the final result to be achieved with fewer product passes. Solid epoxy resins are free of VOCs and emit no unpleasant odors, making them suitable for application in food processing environments, clean rooms, pharmaceutical companies, public places, and schools. In addition to being environmentally friendly, solid epoxy resins are highly resistant to chemicals and corrosion and have a long lifespan. Aesthetically, they provide a glossy and glassy appearance that remains unchanged over time.

The New Frontiers of Resin

Water-based resins and solid epoxy resins are the first steps toward a more sustainable way of building, but many alternatives are being studied to offer the same results as traditional resins with a significantly lower environmental impact. The current alternatives under study include:

Ecological Resins

These resins are produced to consume minimal energy resources, do not create harmful emissions for humans and the environment, and can be safely disposed of. Some ecological resins can be recycled or reduced to safe biological material. Abrasion and traffic resistance, elasticity, water repellency, and longevity remain unchanged compared to traditional resins.

Bio Resins

Derived mainly from natural oils and plants such as potatoes, soybeans, sunflowers, and renewable resources like potato starch, bio resins are being developed to avoid health damage caused by products containing phenols, formaldehyde, and other petroleum derivatives, while also reducing carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas production.

Do you have a construction or renovation project you would like to realize? Contact Sivit at +39 011 2730033 or email commerciale@sivit.it for more information!